Speaker's corner: Water management

Water is a precious resource. Co-operation on the sustainable use and protection of water quality can help build confidence and stability in the OSCE region. On the other hand, the absence of effective dialogue can create the conditions for disputes on water resources.

Water is a precious resource. Co-operation on the sustainable use and protection of water quality can help build confidence and stability in the OSCE region. On the other hand, the absence of effective dialogue can create the conditions for disputes on water resources.

Water management, a field of growing relevance for stability and security, is high on the OSCE agenda.

Leading to the tenth OSCE Economic Forum in May 2002, a series of preparatory seminars brought together representatives of OSCE participating States, international and non-governmental organizations to discuss water management issues in the OSCE area. The third of these seminars will be held in Baku from 15 to 16 April 2002.

Can a lack of co-operation on the use and protection of water resources lead to conflict? What can the OSCE do about this issue?

Water ressources create an increasing interdependence in Central Asia, which could lead to tensions and even conflicts in the region. The sources are in small, weak states and large, powerful countries like Uzbekistan consume large amounts of water in agriculture. International organizations should give assistance to Central Asian states to avoid future problems.
- Mehmet Binay

Obviously, lack of water ressources can lead to conflicts, or critical security issues. Such risks are particulary higher in the Mediterranean region, and the OSCE can, here also, help build confidence among protagonists who fight each other on issues related to the scarcity of water resources. Development of democracy needs to have at its disposal a solid basis allowing the rise of security communities that settle disputes by peaceful change.
- De Neve

Water issues need to be treated from an international and environmental perspective. The parties concerned need to be convinced that meetings and discussions under the umbrella of an international organization which focuses its expertise on theses issues is in their own interest. For instance, water resources protection and optimal use of these resources require professional equipment and expertise.
- Kilicoglu

The use of river waters in arid zones must be internationally controlled. No nation should keep other nations from using the waters that mean life or death for men and for the animals that feed them.
- Rohde-Liebenau

Yes. Any abuse of natural resources will lead to conflict. Keep in mind what we have been dealing with in the last decade with issues such as water. OSCE should improvise a patrol routine to monitor the abuse of water, such as littering by one or other country bordering the waters. No disposing any kind of hazardous materials in the water, i.e. nuclear "depositions". Implementing very hefty fees and/or imprisonment to the company, country or individual/s. OSCE can and should help through patrolling and peaceful political negotiations.
- Nick Basha

Today's "soft" security issues are certainly the "hard" security issues of tomorrow. There is no better explanation on the subject than Robert Kaplan's book "The Coming Anarchy."
- Anna

All international organizations including the OSCE must do something about this issue.
- Ilgar